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“People might think the point of minimalism is only to get rid of material possessions … Letting go. But that’s a mistake. True, removing the excess is an important part of the recipe, but it’s just one ingredient … Minimalists don’t focus on (only) having less, we focus on making room for more: more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth, more contribution, more contentment. More freedom. Clearing the clutter from life’s path helps us make that room.” – The Minimalists

Every year at this time, I start thinking about making New Year’s resolutions. This year, rather than picking the usual resolutions like fitness challenges, weight loss or more charitable donations, I want my choice to be different.

Lately, I have been troubled by my consumerism. I am not talking about a compulsive buying disorder and I’m not going into debt. I’m talking about simple ‘retail therapy’ – a new jacket, a different color shirt – these things make me happy, for a moment, I reason. But my closet is now full so I need to get rid of some stuff or I need to stop bringing home more.

But the thing is, I like what I have now, so I have no need to get rid of it – I just don’t need any more of it. I want to direct my thinking away from consumerism and focus on more important things.

This year I am going to make one humungous New Year’s resolution …

For the next twelve months I will not buy another shirt, belt, jacket, t-shirt, pair of shoes, pants – or anything else to wear. I don’t need anymore stuff this year!

Two Dogs - Same Shirt
Caroline in 1995 (left) and Louisa in 2015 (right). Much has changed over 20 years but not my blue sweat shirt. It was made in Fayetteville, NC, USA and is still working fine. Not needing more stuff, however, DOES NOT apply to ‘special pets’…the world needs more of them!

I hope putting retail therapy on hold for a year will connect me with a new intentional therapy that will provide me with, “…more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth, more contribution, more contentment. More freedom.”

If this all works, 2016 will be my best year ever.

Of course I will still buy food and personal care items from the neighborhood grocery, but get comfortable seeing me in a shirt and jacket you have seen before. Don’t worry, they will be clean – and if they need repair I know how to sew, or I have a place that will help me.

$3.00 Shirts
Friends will recognize these shirts – they have been with me for years. They came from the 2 for $3 rack at our local thrift store. The blue seersucker has some recent patch work at the pocket. My fish shirt works for festive occasions.

What do you think, can I do this?

Do you have too much stuff in your life? Would you prefer more time, passion, experiences, growth, contribution, contentment, and freedom?

Want to join me?

Share this with friends and let’s get everyone on board…

Happy New Year!

 

As always, the conversation starts here.

“In the ordinary choices of every day we begin to change the direction of our lives.” – Eknath Easwaran

Epilogue

Patagonia has become my all-time favorite company – placing people and the planet ahead of profits. They tell me not to buy their stuff – or any stuff. They have replaced corporate greed with a corporate soul. Bravo Patagonia!

This video will take 27:52 minutes to watch, but I have twelve months. Does Worn Wear work for you?